EARL MARSHALL CHAPMAN September 3, 1925 - December 14, 2013 Earl Marshall Chapman, son of the late Nathan and Bess Chapman of Chicago, Illinois, passed away at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 14, 2013. He was 88 years old. A long-time Hawaii resident, he is survived by his spouse: Lee Alden Johnson and two children: Nancy Chapman Arseneault (Michael) and Albert Chapman (Terae). His son, Stepan Chapman passed away in January. Earl is also survived by a former spouse: Margery Cornsweet Chapman, daughter-in-law Kia Chapman, two grandsons, two great grandchildren and several stepchildren. Earl grew up on Chicago's north side, attended the University of Michigan and enlisted in the US Navy during WWII where he trained as a radioman. He first fell in love with Hawaii when he was assigned to the Barber's Point Naval Air Station and then transferred to Maui where he helped train pilots in the use of radar. After the war he returned to the Midwest where he completed his business degree from the University of Michigan, and joined his father and uncle in the family business. Over the next three decades, Earl developed into an insightful businessman and successful entrepreneur. Earl never forgot his affection for Hawaii and in the 1980's he purchased a vacation home on Maui. A few years later, contemplating retirement and the sale of his businesses, he relocated permanently to the Island of Oahu. Restless in retirement, Earl was instrumental in bringing together a group of investors to develop Booklines, Hawaii, which became the state's largest distributor of Hawaiian books, music and gift products. Over the next 20 years, the company expanded and is now known as The Islander Group, Inc. Earl is remembered by family and friends as shy and leery of the spotlight but had an abiding concern for the people around him and the world in general. He supported the civil rights movement and actively protested against the Vietnam War. He took a leadership role in union negotiations and was respected for his ability to broker compromise. These skills served him well in later years when he became a mediator, volunteer trainer and board member of The Mediation Center of the Pacific in Honolulu. He donated countless hours and financial support to this organization. Earl also donated his time and resources to several other Hawaii organizations notably EPIC Ohana, a statewide, non-profit social service organization which enhances the welfare of children and youth. Earl served on the EPIC board since 2000 where his sage advice, good humor and genuine interest in the staff, the youth and the families served was greatly valued. In business and in his personal life, Earl was always looking forward. After becoming single in his 70's, Earl met another long-time Hawaii resident, Lee Alden Johnson. Both loved to travel and were active in the local community. They were married in 2004. Earl was a gentle man and a gentleman. His humor and kindness will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all those who knew him. CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR EARL M. CHAPMAN A Celebration of Earl's life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 in the ballroom at Ko'olau Golf Club 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe. Gathering at 9:30AM, the service will commence at 10AM. Reception to follow. A private memorial will be held this summer in Chicago, IL. No flowers please. Memorial contributions in Earl's honor may be made to either of these organizations: Mediation Center of the Pacific 245 N. Kukui St. Ste. 206 Honolulu 96817 Epic Ohana, Inc. 1130 N. Nimitz Hwy. SteC-210 Honolulu 96817
EARL MARSHALL CHAPMAN September 3, 1925 - December 14, 2013 Earl Marshall Chapman, son of the late Nathan and Bess Chapman of Chicago, Illinois, passed away at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 14, 2013. He was 88 years old. A long-time Hawaii resident, he is survived by his spouse: Lee Alden Johnson and two children: Nancy Chapman Arseneault (Michael) and Albert Chapman (Terae). His son, Stepan Chapman passed away in January. Earl is also survived by a former spouse: Margery Cornsweet Chapman, daughter-in-law Kia Chapman, two grandsons, two great grandchildren and several stepchildren. Earl grew up on Chicago's north side, attended the University of Michigan and enlisted in the US Navy during WWII where he trained as a radioman. He first fell in love with Hawaii when he was assigned to the Barber's Point Naval Air Station and then transferred to Maui where he helped train pilots in the use of radar. After the war he returned to the Midwest where he completed his business degree from the University of Michigan, and joined his father and uncle in the family business. Over the next three decades, Earl developed into an insightful businessman and successful entrepreneur. Earl never forgot his affection for Hawaii and in the 1980's he purchased a vacation home on Maui. A few years later, contemplating retirement and the sale of his businesses, he relocated permanently to the Island of Oahu. Restless in retirement, Earl was instrumental in bringing together a group of investors to develop Booklines, Hawaii, which became the state's largest distributor of Hawaiian books, music and gift products. Over the next 20 years, the company expanded and is now known as The Islander Group, Inc. Earl is remembered by family and friends as shy and leery of the spotlight but had an abiding concern for the people around him and the world in general. He supported the civil rights movement and actively protested against the Vietnam War. He took a leadership role in union negotiations and was respected for his ability to broker compromise. These skills served him well in later years when he became a mediator, volunteer trainer and board member of The Mediation Center of the Pacific in Honolulu. He donated countless hours and financial support to this organization. Earl also donated his time and resources to several other Hawaii organizations notably EPIC Ohana, a statewide, non-profit social service organization which enhances the welfare of children and youth. Earl served on the EPIC board since 2000 where his sage advice, good humor and genuine interest in the staff, the youth and the families served was greatly valued. In business and in his personal life, Earl was always looking forward. After becoming single in his 70's, Earl met another long-time Hawaii resident, Lee Alden Johnson. Both loved to travel and were active in the local community. They were married in 2004. Earl was a gentle man and a gentleman. His humor and kindness will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all those who knew him. CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR EARL M. CHAPMAN A Celebration of Earl's life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 in the ballroom at Ko'olau Golf Club 45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe. Gathering at 9:30AM, the service will commence at 10AM. Reception to follow. A private memorial will be held this summer in Chicago, IL. No flowers please. Memorial contributions in Earl's honor may be made to either of these organizations: Mediation Center of the Pacific 245 N. Kukui St. Ste. 206 Honolulu 96817 Epic Ohana, Inc. 1130 N. Nimitz Hwy. SteC-210 Honolulu 96817Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
